adj, noun, verb ·Rare ·Advanced level

Definitions

Noun

1. 1
   A rope used to retain the bars of the capstan in their sockets while it is being turned.
2. 2
   A rope used to encircle a boat longitudinally, to strengthen and defend her sides.
3. 3
   The forward shroud of a lower mast.

Verb

1. 1
   To tighten (e.g. slack standing rigging) by bringing the opposite shrouds nearer. transitive

Adjective

1. 1
   comparative form of swift: more swift comparative, form-of

Synonyms

All synonyms

fleetabruptagilealacritousalertapt

Example

More examples

"Nothing is swifter than scandal."

Etymology

Compare swivel.

Data sourced from Wiktionary, WordNet, CMU, and other open linguistic databases. Updated March 2026.